Microsoft Game Studios Vancouver, which has recently been rebranded as Black Tusk, is ramping up hiring as it begins work on "Microsoft's next big entertainment franchise."

Black Tusk, which is composed of about 55 staff members with an average of 12 years experience in triple-A games, is looking to double by the end of the year.

“We’re not working on an existing franchise," Black Tusk studio manager Mike Crump said, "we’re looking to build the next Halo here in Vancouver, for example, which is really exciting. We are building something from the ground up.”

Before we go speculating about developing for Microsoft's next-gen console, it has already been reported that the studio is focusing on the Xbox 360. Although, if their franchise becomes as big as they envision it, I'm sure it could roll over to the next-gen Xbox.

Crump told The Vancouver Sun that the studio has been "officially green-lit by Microsoft executives" so it is assumed the studio will begin production immediately.

As for what the game itself, we really don't know what to expect. Aside from the lofty goals, Black Tusk's official website explains the studio is "dedicated to creating immersive, AAA games that push the limits of Microsoft's entertainment platforms."

You can't get much more nonspecific than that. What type of game would you like to see developed for the Xbox 360?